Distilling up new trends: American Single Malt Whiskey in Montana

Montana’s American single malt scene is no longer a whisper from the high country — it’s part of a broader craft wave where microbreweries and distilleries brew up new trends together. The formal federal recognition of “American Single Malt” in 2025 has only added tailwind, clarifying the style as 100% malted barley, made at one U.S. distillery and aged in oak for at least three years.  

The style draws inspiration from Scotland and Ireland but emphasizes regional identity and creativity. Montana’s distilleries are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this category thanks to their access to high-quality barley, pristine mountain water, and a growing community of craft spirits enthusiasts. 

One of the pioneers of this movement is Glacier Distilling in Coram who teamed up with Flathead Lake Brewing in Bigfork to create Logan Pass, an American single malt distilled from 100% Montana barley and aged in ex-rye casks—mountain water, meadow honey, and toasted grain in a glass. Missoula’s Montgomery Distillery laid down single-malt barrels back in 2013 and has since released award-winning bottlings made from Montana-malted barley and matured in both new and ex-bourbon oak. 

North of Flathead Lake in Whitefish, Spotted Bear Spirits produces a “Scotch-style” American single malt from 100% Montana malted barley. Helena’s Gulch Distillers dives into this category with its Flying Anvil Single Malt, crafted entirely from Montana-grown and malted barley and designed as a celebration of place. 

In Butte, Headframe Spirits is squirreling away barrels of single malt whisky and has released The Kelley American Single Malt aged across new oak, used bourbon, and sherry barrels.  Bringing the eastern part of Montana into the single malt scene, Undammed Distillery released its Shields River single malt to rave reviews at a robust 120 proof cask strength.  Lakeside Distillery in Townsend, Bozeman Spirits and Wild Rye Distilling in Bozeman have also all stepped foot in the emerging whiskey category. 

Agriculture also plays a major role in this trend. Montana’s barley is already renowned in the beer industry, with farmers supplying premium malt to breweries nationwide. 

Now, that same grain is finding its way into mash bills for whiskey. This “grain-to-glass” ethos underscores sustainability and strengthens ties between distillers and growers. Some distilleries even highlight the farm origins of their barley, giving whiskey drinkers a direct connection to Montana’s agricultural heritage. 

As American Single Malt Whiskey continues to mature as a category, Montana is poised to become a regional leader. Much like microbreweries did for beer, Montana’s distilleries are broadening consumer expectations of what whiskey can be — local, innovative, and deeply rooted in place. 

By leveraging the state’s natural resources, agricultural abundance, and adventurous spirit, Montana distillers are proving that American Single Malt Whiskey isn’t just a trend but the beginning of a new chapter in American craft spirits. 

Nic Lee is the founder and head distiller at Glacier Distilling.